U.S. patent number 8,109,570 [Application Number 12/593,065] was granted by the patent office on 2012-02-07 for wiring structure for head rest.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Takeshi Nishiura, Atsuki Sasaki.
United States Patent |
8,109,570 |
Nishiura , et al. |
February 7, 2012 |
Wiring structure for head rest
Abstract
A stay is provided with an insulating member, so that only a
lower stay body disposed on a lower side of the insulating member
can be energized. Further, the lower stay body is set at a position
in which the lower stay body is not exposed to an interior of the
seat back when the head rest is vertically adjustably connected to
the seat back.
Inventors: |
Nishiura; Takeshi (Nissin,
JP), Sasaki; Atsuki (Nagoya, JP) |
Assignee: |
Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
(Aichi-Ken, JP)
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Family
ID: |
39808015 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/593,065 |
Filed: |
December 26, 2007 |
PCT
Filed: |
December 26, 2007 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/JP2007/074970 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
September 25, 2009 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2008/120427 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
October 09, 2008 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20100127542 A1 |
May 27, 2010 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Mar 28, 2007 [JP] |
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2007-084336 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/217.3;
297/463.1; 297/410; 297/463.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N
2/818 (20180201); B60N 2/829 (20180201); B60N
2/879 (20180201); B60N 2002/0264 (20130101); B60N
2/897 (20180201) |
Current International
Class: |
A47C
31/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;297/463.1,463.2,217.3,410 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2-52632 |
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Apr 1990 |
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JP |
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3-286713 |
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Dec 1991 |
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JP |
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7-30785 |
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Jun 1995 |
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JP |
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Other References
English language Abstract of JP 3-286713, Dec. 17, 1991. cited by
other.
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Primary Examiner: Cranmer; Laurie
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Greenblum & Bernstein,
P.L.C.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A wiring structure for a head rest for supplying electric power
to an electrical component electrically connected to a stay formed
of a tubular metal member and disposed in the head rest that is
vertically adjustably connected to a seat back via the stay, in
which a stationary electrode electrically connected to power source
wiring disposed on a seat back side is electrically connectably
pressed against an outer circumferential surface of the stay, so
that the stay itself can be used as a portion of an electrically
conducting path, wherein the stay is provided with an insulating
member that is disposed in a vertically intermediate position
thereof, wherein an upper stay body disposed on an upper side of
the insulating member is electrically insulated with a lower stay
body disposed on a lower side of the insulating member, wherein the
lower stay body is set at a position in which the lower stay body
is not exposed to an interior of the seat back when the head rest
is vertically adjustably connected to the seat back, and wherein
the lower stay body and the electrical component are electrically
connected to each other via wiring disposed in the upper stay body,
so that the electric power can be supplied to the electrical
component from the power source wiring.
2. The wiring structure for a head rest as defined in claim 1,
wherein an engagement portion engageable with the seat back side is
formed in the stay at a lowermost position of a vertically
controllable range thereof, and wherein an engaged portion
engageable with the engagement portion is formed in the seat back
side.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a wiring structure for a head rest
attached to a seat back of a vehicle seat. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a wiring structure for a head rest for
supplying electric power to an electrical component electrically
connected to a stay formed of a tubular metal member and disposed
in a head rest that is vertically adjustably connected to a seat
back via the stay, in which a stationary electrode electrically
connected to power source wiring disposed on the seat back side is
electrically connectably pressed against an outer circumferential
surface of the stay, so that the stay itself can be used as a
portion of an electrically conducting path.
BACKGROUND ART
An example of a wiring structure of this type is art taught by
Japanese Laid-Open Utility Model Publication No. 7-30785. In this
art, in order to supply electric power to a driving motor disposed
in a head rest vertically adjustably connected to a seat back, a
construction in which two stays formed of tubular metal members
connecting the head rest to the seat back are themselves used as an
electric circuit. Naturally, from a viewpoint of preventing
short-circuiting between the two stays, in order to prevent metal
portions of the stays from being exposed in a use condition of the
head rest, the metal portions of the stays are covered with
insulating members. Thus, because the metal portions are covered
with the insulating members, when the electric power is supplied to
the driving motor, the metal portions in energized conditions are
prevented from being exposed.
Thus there is a need in the art to provide a wiring structure for a
head rest for supplying electric power to an electrical component
disposed in a head rest that is vertically adjustably connected to
a seat back via a stay formed of a tubular metal member, in which
the stay itself can be used as an electrically conducting path and
in which a metal portion of the stay in an energized condition can
be prevented from being exposed regardless of a vertical position
of the head rest in a use condition thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a wiring structure for a head rest
for supplying electric power to an electrical component
electrically connected to a stay formed of a tubular metal member
and disposed in a head rest that is vertically adjustably connected
to a seat back via the stay, in which a stationary electrode
electrically connected to power source wiring disposed on the seat
back side is electrically connectably pressed against an outer
circumferential surface of the stay, so that the stay itself can be
used as a portion of an electrically conducting path. The stay is
provided with an insulating member that is disposed in a vertically
intermediate position thereof. An upper stay body disposed on an
upper side of the insulating member is electrically insulated with
a lower stay body disposed on a lower side of the insulating
member. The lower stay body is set at a position in which the lower
stay body is not exposed to an interior of the seat back when the
head rest is vertically adjustably connected to the seat back. The
lower stay body and the electrical component are electrically
connected to each other via wiring disposed in the upper stay body,
so that the electric power can be supplied to the electrical
component from the power source wiring.
According to this structure, only the lower stay body disposed on
the lower side of the insulating member may function as an
energized portion. Conversely, the upper stay body may function as
a non-conducting portion. Further, the lower stay body is always
maintained in a condition in which it is inserted into a support (a
condition in which it is hidden inside the seat back) regardless of
a vertical position of the head rest in a use condition thereof.
Thus, even when the electric power is supplied to the electrical
component, the lower stay body, i.e., a metal portion in an
energized condition, can be prevented from being exposed.
Further, in the present invention, an engagement portion engageable
with the seat back side can be formed in the stay at a lowermost
position of a vertically controllable range thereof. In addition,
an engaged portion engageable with the engagement portion can be
formed in the seat back side. According to this structure, the head
rest can be easily vertically adjusted with respect to the seat
back.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle seat 1 to which
a wiring structure for a head rest according to one embodiment
(Embodiment 1) of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a stay 31 shown in FIGS.
1 to 3.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2, in which
a support 13 is connected to a holder 12 to which an electrode body
20 is attached.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a condition in which the stay 31 of FIG. 5
is inserted into an insertion hole 13a of the support 13.
FIG. 7 is a view showing a condition in which the stay 31 of FIG. 6
is further inserted and in which a head rest 30 is positioned
closest to a seat back 10 in a use condition thereof.
FIG. 8 is a view showing a condition in which the head rest 30 is
positioned furthest away from the seat back 10 in the use condition
thereof.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a stay 31, which shows
another embodiment (Embodiment 2).
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a stay 31, which shows
another embodiment (Embodiment 3).
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a stay 31, which shows
another embodiment (Embodiment 4).
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle seat 1 to
which a wiring structure for a head rest according to another
embodiment (Embodiment 5) of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 12.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 13, which
corresponds to FIG. 6.
FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle seat 1 to
which a wiring structure for a head rest according to another
embodiment (Embodiment 6) of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 15.
FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 16, which
corresponds to FIG. 6.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
In the following, embodiments of the best mode for carrying out the
present invention will be described with reference to the
drawings.
Embodiment 1
Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. In
FIGS. 1 to 8, in order to clearly show an inner construction of a
seat back 10, a skin structure of the seat back 10 is omitted and
only an inner frame structure thereof is shown.
First, the components of a vehicle seat 1 will be described with
reference to FIG. 1. The vehicle seat 1 is a seat having a head
rest 30 that is attached to the seat back 10. In the following, the
seat back 10 and the head rest 30 will be described
individually.
First, the seat back 10 will be described. Square-tube-shaped
holders 12 are respectively welded to right and left sides of an
upper arm portion of a back frame 11 that forms a framework of the
seat back 10. The holders 12 can be fitted with supports 13 each
having an insertion hole 13a into which stays 31 of the head rest
30 are inserted. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an attachment strip 12a
is integrally formed in a back side of each of the holders 12 so as
to extend downwardly from a lower end portion thereof. Each of the
attachment strips 12a has an engagement hole 12b to which a base
member 21 of each of electrode bodies 20 is connected.
Each of the electrode bodies 20 is constructed of the base member
21 made of resin and an electrode 25 attached to the base member
21. As will be apparent from a partially enlarged view in FIG. 2,
the electrode 25 is constructed of a plate spring having a
substantially M-shape in cross section. Further, the electrode 25
can be referred to as "a stationary electrode". Two guides 22 each
having a substantially L-shape in cross section are formed in one
surface (a nearer surface in FIG. 2) of the base member 21. The
guides 22 are formed opposite to each other so as to retain the
electrode 25 therebetween. Upper and lower ends of each of the
guides 22 respectively have support claws 22a that are respectively
directed inwardly.
When the electrode 25 is attached to the base member 21, in order
to prevent leg portions 25b of the M-shaped electrode 25 from
interfering with the support claws 22a, the electrode 25 is placed
between the guides 22 while protruding portions 25a of the M-shaped
electrode 25 are gradually compressed in a direction toward each
other. Thereafter, when the protruding portions 25a are
decompressed, the leg portions 25b of the M-shaped electrode 25 can
move in a direction away from each other. As a result, the leg
portions 25b are supported by the total of four support claws 22a.
In this way, the electrode 25 can be attached to the base member
21. Further, the protruding portions 25a of the M-shaped electrode
25 are set to greatly protrude from surfaces 22c of the guides 22
in an attached condition.
As will be apparent from a partially enlarged view in FIG. 3, two
guides 23 are formed in the other surface (a farther surface in
FIG. 3) of the base member 21. The guides 23 are formed opposite to
each other so as to receive right and left peripheral edges of the
attachment strip 12a of the holder 12 therebetween. Further, formed
in the other surface is an engagement claw 24 that is capable of
engaging the engagement hole 12b of the holder 12. Therefore, when
the guides 23 of the base member 21 are vertically fitted to the
right and left peripheral edges of the attachment strip 12a from
below, a lower end portion of the attachment strip 12b can be
flexed by the engagement claw 24. Thereafter, when the lower end
portion of the attachment strip 12a clears the engagement claw 24,
the engagement claw 24 engages the engagement hole 12b. Upon
engagement of the engagement claw 24 and the engagement hole 12b,
the electrode body 20 is attached to the holder 12. Further, the
electrode 25 of the electrode body 20 is electrically connected to
power source wiring 14 (wiring extended from a vehicle body side
and connected to a battery (not shown)) that is disposed on the
seat back side.
Conversely, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, an engagement claw 13c
(omitted in FIGS. 1 to 3) is disposed in an inner circumferential
surface of the insertion hole 13a of the support 13. The engagement
claw 13c is biased to project into the insertion hole 13a. When the
stay 31 is inserted into the support 13, the engagement claw 13c
engages one of a plurality of engagement grooves 32a (which will be
described hereinafter) that are longitudinally formed in the stay
31 (an upper stay body 32 thereof) of the head rest 30, so that its
movement in the inserting direction can be stopped. Therefore, the
head rest 30 can be vertically adjustably connected to the seat
back 10. Another way to describe this is that "a head rest that is
vertically adjustably connected to a seat back via the stay" and
"an engagement portion engageable with the seat back side is formed
in the stay at a lowermost position of a vertically controllable
range thereof, and an engaged portion engageable with the
engagement portion is formed in the seat back side". Thus, the head
rest 30 can be vertically adjusted with respect to the seat back 10
in a simplified manner. Further, the engagement claw 13c is
integrally formed with a knob 13b disposed on an upper side portion
of the support 13, so as to normally be held in a condition in
which it is projected into the insertion hole 13a via a biasing
force of a biasing member such as a spring (not shown).
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 again, each of the supports 13 has
protruded engagement claws 13e that are capable of preventing the
support 13 from being removed from the holder 12 when it is
inserted into the holder 12 so as to be attached thereto. The
engagement claws 13e are formed in right and left side surfaces of
the support 13. The engagement claw 13e has a substantially
U-shaped groove (not shown) that is formed in a peripheral edge
thereof. Therefore, when the support 13 is inserted into the holder
12, the engagement claws 13e of the support 13 are pressed against
an inner circumferential surface of the holder 12 and are flexed
inwardly. Thereafter, when the support 13 is completely inserted,
the engagement claws 13e of the support 13 can be restored, so as
to be hooked on the lower end portion of the holder 12. Thus, the
support 13 inserted into the holder 12 can be prevented from being
detached. Further, the support 13 has a cutout 13d that is formed
in a lower end of a back surface thereof. The cutout 13d allows the
protruding portions 25a of the electrode 25 of the electrode body
20 attached to the holder 12 to protrude into the support 13
therethrough (FIG. 5).
Next, the head rest 30 will be described. With reference to FIG. 1
again, as described above, the head rest 30 has two stays 31 formed
of tubular metal members. The stays 31 are integrally attached to a
lower surface of the head rest 30. Further, an electrical component
30a such as a driving motor is disposed in the head rest 30. Now,
construction of the stays 31 will be described in detail. As shown
in FIG. 4, each of the stays 31 is composed of an upper stay body
32 formed of a tubular metal member, a lower stay body 33 formed of
a tubular metal member, and an insulating member 34 that integrally
connects the upper and lower stay bodies 32 and 33. The upper stay
body 32 and the lower stay body 33 are electrically insulated from
each other due to the insulating member 34.
The insulating member 34 is composed of a ring-shaped flange
portion 34a, an upper protrusion body 34b and a lower protrusion
body 34c and is integrally formed of a synthetic resin. The flange
portion 34a has the same outer diameter as the upper and lower stay
bodies 32 and 33. The upper protrusion body 34b protrudes from an
upper surface of the flange portion 34a and is shaped to be
inserted into an interior of the upper stay body 32 from a lower
end thereof. The lower protrusion body 34c protrudes from a lower
surface of the flange portion 34a and is shaped to be inserted into
the interior of the lower stay body 33 from an upper end thereof.
In Embodiment 1, the protrusion bodies 34b and 34c are respectively
formed in a substantially C-shape in cross section, so as to
respectively have slots 34d and 34e that extend longitudinally. As
a result, when the protrusion bodies 34b and 34c are inserted into
the upper and lower stay bodies 32 and 33, the protrusion bodies
34b and 34c are maintained therein by press fit engagement. Thus,
the insulating member 34 of Embodiment 1 has a press fit engagement
structure that is capable of preventing the same from slipping
off.
Further, wiring 35 is disposed in each of the stays 31. One end of
the wiring 35 is electrically connected to an electrode 36, and
other end of the wiring 35 is electrically connected to the
electrical component 30a (not shown in FIG. 4). The electrode 36 is
formed from a metal plate spring and is inserted into the lower
stay body 33 while it is flexed to have a reverse U-shape.
Therefore, the electrode 36 is maintained in the lower stay body 33
due to a reaction force thereof. As a result, the lower stay body
33 and the electrical component 30a can be electrically connected
to each other. Further, needless to say, when the head rest 30 is
vertically adjustably connected to the seat back 10, portions that
are positioned below the lowermost engagement groove 32a of the
upper stay body 32 (the insulating member 34 and the lower stay
body 33) are not exposed to an interior of the seat back 10.
Another way to describe this is that "the lower stay body is set at
a position in which the lower stay body is not exposed to an
interior the seat back when the head rest is vertically adjustably
connected to the seat back".
Next, an operation when the head rest 30 is connected to the seat
back 10 thus constructed will be described. In a condition as shown
in FIG. 5, the stay 31 of the head rest 30 (the lower stay body 33)
is inserted into the insertion hole 13a of the support 13 that is
positioned on an upper surface portion of the seat back 10. At this
time, as described above, the protruding portions 25a of the
M-shaped electrode 25 protrude into the support 13 via the cutout
13d of the support 13. Therefore, upon insertion of the stay 31 of
the head rest 30 into the support 13, the protruding portions 25a
of the electrode 25 protruding into the support 13 can be applied
with a force via an outer circumferential surface of the inserted
stay 31, so as to be pushed back.
When force is applied to the protruding portions 25a, the electrode
25 is flexed such that the leg portions 25b thereof move in a
direction away from each other. As a result, the protruding
portions 25a of the electrode 25 are pressed against the outer
circumferential surface of the stay 31 (the lower stay body 33) due
to a reaction force of flexure of the electrode 25. Therefore, the
protruding portions 25a of the electrode 25 can be electrically
connectably pressed against the outer circumferential surface of
the stay 31 (the lower stay body 33) (FIG. 6). Thus, electric power
can be supplied to the electrical component 30a from the power
source wiring 14 by using the stay 31 (the lower stay body 33)
itself as an electrically conducting path.
Further, because the protruding portions 25a of the electrode 25
are pressed to the stay 31, the protruding portions 25a of the
electrode 25 can slidably contact the outer circumferential surface
of the stay 31 (the lower stay body 33) even when the head rest 30
is vertically adjusted with respect to the seat back 10 (FIGS. 7
and 8). Thus, regardless of a vertical position of the head rest 30
with respect to the seat back 10, the electric power can be
supplied to the electrical component 30a from the power source
wiring 14. Further, the lower stay body 33 is always maintained in
a condition in which the lower stay body 33 is inserted into the
support 13 (a condition in which the lower stay body 33 is hidden
inside the seat back 10). Therefore, the lower stay body 33
corresponding to an energized portion of the stay 31 cannot be
exposed to an upper surface of the support 13. Thus, even when the
electric power is supplied to the electrical component 30a from the
power source wiring 14, a metal portion in an energized condition
can be prevented from being exposed.
Embodiment 2
Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. As will be
apparent from FIG. 9, as compared with Embodiment 1 described
above, Embodiment 2 is intended to increase a slipping-off
prevention function of the insulating member 34. Further, in the
following description, elements that are the same as or equivalent
to Embodiment 1 will be identified by the same reference numerals
and a redundant description of such elements will be omitted. This
will also apply to Embodiment 3 and subsequent embodiments.
Two slots 34d are formed in a distal end of an outer
circumferential surface of the upper protrusion body 34b of an
insulating member 134 according to Embodiment 2. The slots 34d are
axisymmetrically formed and extend longitudinally. Further, two
outwardly extending engagement claws 34f are axisymmetrically
formed in the distal end of the outer circumferential surface of
the upper protrusion body 34b. The engagement claws 34f are formed
in positions that are circumferentially deviated by 90 degrees from
the slots 34d. Conversely, two engagement holes 32b are formed in a
lower end portion of the upper stay body 32. The engagement holes
32b are capable of engaging the engagement claws 34f of the upper
protrusion body 34b when the upper protrusion body 34b is inserted
into the upper stay body 32.
Similar to the upper protrusion body 34b and the upper stay body
32, the lower protrusion body 34c and the lower stay body 33 have
slots 34e, two engagement claws 34g and two engagement holes 33a
that are respectively formed therein. Similar to Embodiment 1, the
protrusion bodies 34b and 34c are respectively inserted into the
interiors of the upper and lower stay bodies 32 and 33, so that the
stay 31 can be formed.
According to the construction described above, the insulating
member 134 of Embodiment 2 has not only the press fit engagement
structure described in Embodiment 1 but also an engagement
structure in which the protrusion bodies 34b and 34c can be
maintained in an insertion condition via the engagement claws 34f
and 34g. Thus, as compared with the insulating member 34 of
Embodiment 1, the insulating member 134 of Embodiment 2 has a
slipping-off prevention function greater than the insulating member
34 of Embodiment 1.
Embodiment 3
Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. As will
be apparent from FIG. 10, as compared with Embodiment 2 described
above, Embodiment 3 is intended to provide a slipping-off
prevention function in a different form.
Two through holes 34h are formed in an outer circumferential
surface of the upper protrusion body 34b of an insulating member
234 according to Embodiment 3. The through holes 34h are
axisymmetrically formed. Conversely, two insertion holes 32c are
formed in the lower end portion of the upper stay body 32. The
insertion holes 32c are capable of being aligned with the through
holes 34h of the upper protrusion body 34b when the upper
protrusion body 34b is inserted into the upper stay body 32. Also,
similar to the upper protrusion body 34b and the upper stay body
32, the lower protrusion body 34c and the lower stay body 33 have
two through holes 34i and two insertion holes 33b that are
respectively formed therein. After the upper protrusion body 34b is
inserted into the interior of the upper stay body 32, a pin 37 is
completely inserted into the through-holes 34h of the upper
protrusion body 34b via one of the insertion holes 32c of the upper
stay body 32 until the pin 37 reaches the other of the insertion
holes 32c. Similarly, a pin 37 is passed through the lower
protrusion body 34c and the lower stay body 33. Thus, the stay 31
can be formed.
As described above, the insulating member 234 described above has
an engagement structure using the pins 37 in place of the
engagement structure described in Embodiment 2. Thus, this
embodiment has a simplified structure and has the same function as
Embodiment 2.
Embodiment 4
Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. As will
be apparent from FIG. 11, as compared with Embodiment 2 described
above, Embodiment 4 is intended to strengthen the insulating member
134.
Similar to the upper protrusion body 34b of Embodiment 2, two
engagement claws 34f are formed in the distal end of the outer
circumferential surface of the upper protrusion body 34b of an
insulating member 334 according to Embodiment 4. In addition, two
inwardly projected engagement claws 34j are axisymmetrically formed
in a distal end of an inner circumferential surface of the upper
protrusion body 34b. Conversely, a tapered portion 33c is formed in
the upper end of the lower stay body 33. The tapered portion 33c is
shaped to be inserted into an interior of the upper protrusion body
34b from the lower surface of the flange portion 34a. Two
engagement holes 33d are formed in a proximal end of the tapered
portion 33c. The engagement holes 33d are capable of engaging the
two engagement claws 34j formed in the upper protrusion body 34b
when the tapered portion 33c is inserted into the upper protrusion
body 34b. The upper protrusion body 34b is inserted into the upper
stay body 32 and the tapered portion 33c of the lower stay body 33
is inserted into the upper protrusion body 34b. Thus, the stay 31
can be formed.
As described above, in the insulating member 334 of Embodiment 4,
the tapered portion 33c of the lower stay body 33 is constructed to
be inserted into the flange portion 34a. That is, in Embodiment 4,
the flange portion 34a can have a strength corresponding to the sum
of a strength of the tapered portion 33c of the lower stay body 33
and an inherent strength of the flange portion 34a. To the
contrary, the flange portion 34a of Embodiment 2 can have only the
inherent strength thereof. As a result, as compared with the
insulating member 134 of Embodiment 2, the flange portion 34a of
the insulating member 334 of Embodiment 4 can have an increased
strength.
Embodiment 5
Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. As
will be apparent from FIG. 12, as compared with Embodiment 1
described above, Embodiment 5 is constructed such that the
protruding portions 25a (a protruding portion 125a in Embodiment 4)
of the electrode 25 (an electrode 125 in Embodiment 4) can slidably
contact the stay 31 in a different form. Further, FIG. 12 shows a
condition in which the supports 13 are already inserted into the
holders 12.
As shown in FIG. 13, each of the electrode bodies 120 in Embodiment
5 is constructed of a base member 121 made of resin and an
electrode 125. The electrode 125 is formed by insert molding so as
to extend downwardly from a lower surface of the base member 121.
The electrode 125 is constructed of a plate spring in which a
portion thereof is bent in a U-shape in cross section so as to have
a protruding portion 125a. Further, the protruding portion 125a of
the electrode 125 corresponds to the protruding portions 25a of the
electrode 25 described in Embodiment 1. In addition, an attachment
strip 122 is integrally formed in the lower surface of the base
member 121. The attachment strip 122 extends downwardly from the
base member 121 toward the protruding portion 125a of the electrode
125.
Conversely, attachment portions 13g are formed in lower portions of
front and back sides of each of the supports 113 in Embodiment 5.
Each of the attachment portions 13g has a U-shape in cross section,
so that the attachment strip 122 of the electrode 120 described
above can be hooked thereon. Further, the front and back sides of
the support 113 has cutout windows 13f that are respectively
positioned below the attachment portions 13g. Therefore, when the
attachment strips 122 of the electrodes 120 are hooked on the
attachment portions 13g of the support 113 and the stay 31 is then
inserted into the support 113 in this hooked condition, the
protruding portions 125a of the electrodes 125 and the outer
circumferential surface of the stay 31 are electrically connectably
pressed against each other (FIG. 14). Thus, similar to Embodiment
1, the protruding portions 125a of the electrode 125 and the outer
circumferential surface of the stay 31 are capable of slidably
contacting each other.
According to a structure described above, similar to Embodiment 1,
it is possible to slidably contact the protruding portions 125a of
the electrodes 125 and the stay 31 each other without providing the
attachment strips 12a to the holders 12. Thus, this embodiment has
a simplified structure and has the same function as Embodiment
1.
Embodiment 6
Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. As
will be apparent from FIG. 15, as compared with Embodiment 5, in
Embodiment 6, the electric power is supplied to the electrical
component 30a via only one of the stays 31.
As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the lower stay body 33 of Embodiment 6
is divided into a first lower stay body 33a and a second lower stay
body 33b by the insulating member 34 such that they are insulated
from each other. Further, the wiring 35 in Embodiment 6 has a
two-core structure. Ends of two cores wires of the wiring 35 are
respectively electrically connected (e.g., by soldering) to inner
circumferential surfaces of the first lower stay body 33a and the
second lower stay body 33b.
Embodiment 6 is constructed as described above. That is, in this
embodiment, only one of the stays 31 is used as the electrically
conducting path whereas in Embodiment 5 described above, both of
the stays 31 are uses as the electrically conducting path.
Therefore, this embodiment can have the same function as Embodiment
5 with a simplified structure.
Representative examples of the present invention have been
described. However, this description is not intended to limit the
scope of the invention. In Embodiment 1, the electrode bodies 20
are respectively attached to the attachment strips 12a of the
holders 12, so that the protruding portions 25a of the electrodes
25 of the attached electrode bodies 20 can slidably contact the
outer circumferential surfaces of the stays 31.
In Embodiment 5, the electrode bodies 120 are respectively attached
to the supports 113, so that the protruding portions 125a of the
electrodes 125 of the attached electrode bodies 120 can slidably
contact the outer circumferential surface of the stays 31. However,
the structures should not be restrictively construed. For example,
the electrode bodies 20 (120) can be variously disposed in the seat
back 10 provided that the protruding portions 25a (125a) of the
electrodes 25 (125) of the electrode bodies 20 (120) is capable of
slidably contacting the outer circumferential surface of the stays
31.
Further, in the embodiments described above, the exemplified stays
31 of the head rest 30 are respectively formed of tubular metal
members each having a circular shape in cross section. However, the
stays 31 can be formed of tubular metal members each having a
square shape, a rectangular shape or other such shapes in cross
section.
* * * * *